Sex education: Feminine hygiene

 The etymology of the word, "Cootie" derived from the Malay word, "kutu," denoting a parasitic biting insect. Growing up in Brunei, that specifically means, "tick." Interestingly enough, in Tagalog, it means "louse" or "head lice."

Scientists found out that women may attract more ticks and have more atypical Lyme rashes than men (Josek 2019). 😒 So, @oddscribe wasn't kidding when he made a comment, "Girls are the ones with cooties."

According to World Bank, "Poor menstrual hygiene, however, can pose serious health risks, like reproductive and urinary tract infections which can result in future infertility and birth complications. Neglecting to wash hands after changing menstrual products can spread infections, such as hepatitis B and thrush."

Is that why Jewish women have to go through an extensive ritual every month? 😨

According to Unicef, "Gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty and lack of basic services like toilets and sanitary products can all cause menstrual health and hygiene needs to go unmet." Companies like Sanfe, have taken initiative to helping young and old women alike to gain access to feminine products such as sanitary pads, pH balancing scrubs et al.

“Cleanliness is vital because of the various cycles women go through, including menstruation. Irregular cleaning and poor hygiene during periods can lead to the growth and spread of bacteria in genitals, with unfortunate repercussions,” adds Harry Sehrawat, co-founder of Sanfe.

Self-starters like "Kind Cup" have launched products for women, who are outside the market norms of Proctor & Gamble, Dove and Colgate-Palmolive. 

It's nice to know that countries like Brunei, have taken a step forward towards hygiene care in businesses and schools. When I was growing up there then, I found it difficult to change sanitary pads safely in school without being harassed. Granted I had friends who were understanding than most school children, but for the most part, it was a battleground of who was richer or poorer. Even though my parents were financially well off, they only bought cheap products for us to use. Children don't have the understanding of financial responsibilities. They see how things are. The rich school children were the worst of them all. 

If reusable sanitary pads were well received then, I wouldn't have to find myself crying in the school bathroom most of the time. During my mother's era, talking about feminine hygiene was taboo. Even the mention of vaginal discharges were enough for physical abuse among the female household members. My mother passed this abusive treatments towards her own daughters.

Here's what could have helped me in my adolescent years:

Menstrual Hygiene Is Key in Promoting Good Health

These hygiene practices can help you stay healthy and comfortable during your period:

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing (such as cotton underwear). Tight fabrics can trap moisture and heat, allowing germs to thrive.
• Change your menstrual products regularly. Trapped moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Wearing a pad or period underwear for too long can lead to a rash or an infection.
• Keep your genital area clean. Wash the outside of your vagina (vulva) and bottom every day. When you go to the bathroom, wipe from the front of your body toward the back, not the other way. Use only water to rinse your vulva. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Changing the natural pH balance of your vagina by washing or using chemicals to cleanse out the vagina can be harmful and may result in a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
• Use unscented toilet paper, tampons, or pads. Scented hygiene products can irritate the skin and impact your natural pH balance.
• Drink enough liquids. This can help wash out your urinary tract and help prevent infections, like vaginal candidiasis.
• Track and monitor your period. Your menstrual cycle is a valuable marker for your overall health. Irregular periods can be a sign of conditions like diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and celiac disease. You can track your period on a calendar or with an app on your phone designed for this purpose. (I recommend Period Calendar Mobile app)
• Visit a healthcare provider for your annual check-up. An annual well-woman exam is a full check-up that includes a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential for good reproductive health as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health issues.

Talk to a doctor if you experience a change in odor, have extreme or unusual pain, or have more severe period symptoms than usual (such as a heavier flow or longer period).

This would have made a decent poster every where I settled in. Sure it would make the older generation cringe, but it is very much needed for the world to see. The last thing you ever want to contract is pubic lice. Now that's cooties you don't want any where near you.